BOUDRY, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With pancreatic cancer poised to become the third leading cause of
cancer death in Europe, Celgene International Sàrl, a subsidiary of
Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG), has today reiterated its commitment
to patients and their families with the announcement that it will focus
significant resources to increase awareness and understanding of the
disease. Key initiatives include a clinical study programme involving
more than 4,800 patients, as well as investment in research
partnerships, both of which can help to uncover innovative new treatment
options and advance the understanding of the biology of the disease.
Celgene also is looking into opportunities to better understand the
needs of patients and caregivers specifically, through dedicated
research planned for later in 2014. These initiatives aim to help
address the lack of progress in this disease, as highlighted by the
Consumer Powerhouse European Pancreatic Cancer Index (EPCI) published
yesterday.

The mortality of pancreatic cancer remains nearly equal to its prevalence1,
with a median life expectancy, after diagnosis with metastatic
pancreatic cancer being approximately 3–6 months.2 “The EPCI
draws important attention to a disease that is too often written off as
a death sentence. Support from many different audiences and across all
aspects of the disease, from diagnosis, to treatment, to palliative
care, is urgently needed to change this,” said Pablo del Pino, Vice
President of Oncology for Celgene in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

There are only three medications approved for advanced pancreatic
cancer, as more than 30 Phase III clinical trials have failed in this
area in the last decades.3 The task of finding new treatment
options that can succeed in clinical studies and bring a meaningful
benefit to patients is daunting, but it is a task that Celgene is
committed to continue making a reality. The company has one of the most
extensive clinical study programmes in pancreatic cancer: Today, there
are 18 clinical studies being supported by Celgene involving more than
4,800 patients, including a registration study for early-stage
resectable cancer; a Celgene-sponsored study on locally advanced disease
and in a special population of difficult-to-treat patients; and 15
independent, physician-led studies into other aspects of the disease.

With these trials, Celgene hopes to shed new light on potential options
for patients and their families. “Celgene is investigating every aspect
and finding ways in which we can make a difference in this disease. In
addition to the approximately 30% of revenues that we have re-invested
annually over the past 10 years into research and development for future
innovation – which is twice the industry average in pharmaceuticals – we
also are forming important partnerships to build on our current regimen,
find new treatment options, and explore biomarkers that can help
identify the right patients for specific treatments,” said del Pino.

Another aspect of Celgene’s comment is its focus on patient needs. “We
are working closely with physicians and patient advocacy groups to
better understand the needs of patients and caregivers impacted by
pancreatic cancer and how Celgene may support them,” del Pino explained.
To this end, Celgene is currently partnering with pancreatic cancer
advocacy groups across Europe to undertake extensive patient- and
caregiver-focused research. Results of the research will help identify
additional areas for focus in 2015 and beyond.

Alan Colowick, MD, President of Celgene Europe, Middle East and Africa,
said, “Our efforts so far are already helping to drive change in how
pancreatic cancer is treated, but we recognise that there is more to be
done. We will not be satisfied until we, along with the many others
focused on this disease, continue to drive meaningful change and see
pancreatic cancer become a manageable disease for as many people as
possible.”

About Celgene

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an
integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the
discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for
the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and
protein regulation. Celgene International Sàrl, located in Boudry,
Switzerland, is a wholly owned subsidiary and international headquarters
of Celgene Corporation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are
generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates,"
"believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," “outlook” and
similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on
management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and
speak only as of the date they are made. Celgene Corporation undertakes
no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new
information or future events, except as otherwise required by law.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties,
most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our
control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those
implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a
number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in Celgene
Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.